The Path
The Sufi Path is a path of love. Through following this path under the direction of a guide (Shaykh) who has been authorised to teach others, we are able to develop a real love of God and an intuiting of God’s Presence. This new awareness evokes a compassion and love for all of God’s Creation. We become capable of reaching a direct experience of God and as a consequence of this, an understanding as to the true nature of our own being.
Through Sufi knowledge and practices of engaging in remembrance of God (known as Dhikr Allah) we find that the psychological and physical knots that bind us to disharmony and discord within ourselves dissolve, and we begin to experience a tranquility of heart and a deep peace which opens the way to the experience of God’s Reality.
In a time such as ours where the usual condition of most people is heralded either by confusion, uncertainty and doubt, or by self-indulgence and a relentless pursuit of ephemeral experiences, Sufism offers another way of being in the world which addresses the nobility of the human being and sheds light on our very reason for existence.
All of these processes lead to a more balanced way of life. On the personal level we of course benefit, but so do our families and loved ones and those around us.
Sufis believe that virtues like grace and consideration polish the heart and clear a space in us where something extraordinary can enter.
We say, come, learn how to remember your Lord with every breath you take, learn the adab (manners of grace and consideration) of Sufism, and wait with patience for God to replace your remembrance of Him with His Divine Presence in your awakened heart which has come to know true peace.
Our Methods
Zikr or Dhikr
We chant the liturgy of the Naqshbandi tradition which has been handed down through the Saints of The Golden Chain.
Illahi or Qasidah
We sing traditional songs of praise and worship.
Mevlevi Sema
For those interested to learn, we teach the Mevlevi Turning and Sema (Whirling Ceremony of Mevlana Jalaladdin Rumi).
Sohbet or Subha
These are talks in which Sufi knowledge is explained and practical advice is given on the nature of the spiritual journey with a view to guiding people in their own personal journey of self-knowledge and character refinement leading to God-Realisation.
Community
We come together with a common purpose - to know ourselves, and to know God. The collective energy brings increased focus to our spiritual practices and has an uplifting quality. And by stepping out of the experience of isolation and separateness, we have an opportunity to refine our being through service to others and practising the virtues of generosity, gratitude and patience.
Our Guide
Shaykh Nazim (QS)
Grandshaykh Mawlana Muhammed Nazim Adil al-Haqqani (1922 -2014) was leader of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order from 1973 to 2014. He worked tirelessly to promote Sufism and religious tolerance around the world and was widely acknowledged to be the greatest living Sufi. To those fortunate enough to meet him, his luminous character was immediately self-evident.
Your First Visit
We welcome all newcomers! Join us for an uplifting evening of singing, chanting, and Sufi discourse.
Our associations or meetings are held regularly in Melbourne and Sydney (details below). Please contact us before attending your first event to avoid disappointment if there has been an unexpected change of times or venues.
When You Arrive
We ask that you remove your shoes as you enter. There is space provided to rest them near the entrance. During cold weather, warm socks are suggested. Please come modestly dressed.
Sit in the circle with us - you can sit in a chair or on a cushion on the floor, as you prefer.
After The Event
We invite you to stay for home-cooked food prepared by the mureeds (Sufi students) and take the opportunity to speak with members of our community about their experience of the Sufi Path. Feel free to ask questions.
Please Note: If you have a scholarly interest in Sufism, comparative religion, Islamic Sharia, etc. then you may not find the conversation you are looking for with us. Our members are from many different countries and many different backgrounds and have come together with a desire for personal, inner development and to follow the core teachings of religion. University is the place for building high education in the mind, our gatherings are for laying strong foundations of faith in the heart.
More Information
Articles on Sufism
Sufi spiritual thought is based on trying to achieve a station of nearness to God (Allah), or enlightenment. This station can be variously associated with states such as ecstasy, inner peace and self-realization. The big questions are simple: how and why to get from what you are today, to this station? For many people this…
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Mystic or Gnostic ideas tend to be somewhat similar across religions, which is not very surprising. They all encourage a direct experience of nearness to God (Allah), and use a variety of guidance and religious practices to get there. This inner experience is a “state”, however a “station” is a more permanent affair, the highest…
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Islam was initiated by the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) who lived in Mecca and then Medina from 570/571 – 632 CE. He left the Koran (recitation), Sunnah (his example) and Sahaba (his companions, who he trained). In Arabic, a Muslim is simply “one who has surrendered to God (Allah)” or “has found peace.”
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In common with other mystic or gnostic ways, the Sufi path to spiritual knowledge is followed by a community of people who seek a state of inner peace and nearness to God (Allah), or enlightenment. Sufism springs from the heart of Islam, and this sacred knowledge has been passed in an unbroken chain
Read More...External Links
(Links open in a new tab.)
sufilive.com
Live and archived broadcasts from Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani - includes discourses, singing, special events and more. Also has recorded sohbets from Mawlana Shaykh Nazim (QS) and others.
isn1.net
Items for protection, remembrance and understanding can be purchased through this website - includes books, taweez, prayer beads, scented oils and more.
Contact Us
Please get in touch if you are interested in attending one of our regular Sufi gatherings.
We have meetings in Melbourne and Sydney (scroll down for location details).
For other enquiries, please contact Abdul Malik in Melbourne on0414 633 114